The ManicaPost
Fungayi Munyoro Sports Correspondent —
KURAUONE Darts Club turned on the heat to win the Chairman’s Trophy Tournament held at Raylton Sports Club last Saturday.
The Kurauone pair of Zvaita Gwenzi and Talent Chidavanyika stamped their authority in the tournament.
The same club wrote its own piece of history by winning the Mutare District Darts Association League during the 2016 season. This time around it was Gwenzi and Chidavanyika who guided the club into pole position. The pair beat Buddy Gombedza and Mark Munjoma of Mutare Teachers’ College who settled for runners-up position.
Provincial star, Caleb ‘Siga’ Sigauke and his partner, Patrick Ngatife from Chutsa Club came third.
On fourth position was national team and provincial star, Melody Gezana and the youthful Henry Poroto.
The tournament was attended by all 10 teams which play in the Mutare District Darts Association League. Each club provided two of their best players to represent them. For winning the tournament, Kurauone walked away with a trophy and $30.
Mutare District Darts Association chairman, Zvaita Gwenzi, hailed the competitiveness of the teams that took part in this tournament.
He said: “I am very pleased with the way the athletes exhibited here. I am also pleased with the level of competition at the tournament. The upcoming players showed their bravery to challenge the big shots.”
Meanwhile, Mutare District League ended on a high note with Kurauone being crowned the 2016 champions. For their efforts, the club was given a trophy, certificates, shield and $200. On position two was Chutsa which walked away with a shield, certificates and $100. Mutare Teachers’ College was on third position. They got certificates and $50.
Buffaloes were on fifth position and received $35 and certificates. Raylton anchored the log standings. Gwenzi said teams were now geared for the 2017 season set to kick off soon.
“We have big plans for the 2017 season. We need to have a team that will represent our province as well as players that will play for the nation. We also need to develop our darts to the highest levels. We are working on incorporating the playing of darts in schools. We hope to run our league smoothly.
“The major challenge we are facing is lack of sponsorship. Most clubs are struggling to pay affiliation fees. We are appealing to the corporate world and individuals to assist us.
“As a district we are doing quite well. We have raised players who are playing in the provincial as well as national teams. Venues are also a challenge as some of our games are played in beer halls. We hope this year things will work out for us so that we will be able to meet international standards,” he said.
